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Application Period for the Summer 2012 Intern Session closes on February 1.
The mission of the Volunteer Resources Department is
to assist the paid DRC staff by providing a supplemental
work force capable of accomplishing daily tasks, as well
as special projects. This enables the paid staff
resources to concentrate on those areas where their
knowledge and expertise can be put to the most efficient
and effective use.
The responsibilities handled by our volunteers
represent vital aspects of our operations. Volunteers may
find themselves working in our fish house where our
dolphins' meals are prepared, or caring for our family of
exotic birds. Volunteers assist visitors by answering
questions and monitoring interactive programs and tours.
Volunteers are involved with facility maintenance such as
trash collection, recycling, seaweed removal and fence
cleaning, painting and landscaping. They also help with
administrative projects such as computer data entry and
preparation of bulk mailings.
Within our Volunteer Resources Department, we offer
an Intern Program. Internships involve concentration
in specific departments, normally last 12 to 18 weeks,
and are held throughout the year. Applicants do not
need to be enrolled in college to be considered for
an internship. We currently offer internships in the
following areas: Animal
Care and Training, Special Needs, Education, Research,
and Visual Communications. For additional information
on the Intern program and Intern position descriptions, click
here.
Our Volunteer Resources Department is staffed
throughout the year. While we do offer flexibility, most
of our non-local volunteers work 40 hours per week, and a
minimum commitment of four weeks is required for new
volunteers. We ask our local volunteers to contribute at
least two days per month. Although they do not receive
wages, we do expect all volunteers to regard their work
with us with the same dedication that they would extend
to a paying job. DRC does not provide housing or
transportation for volunteers and interns, but we will
provide a list of local housing and transportation
providers so that individuals can make arrangements that
suit their needs. Certain tasks can be physically
strenuous or even mundane, but the satisfaction that
comes from sharing in the care of our dolphins can offer
rewards beyond measure. Besides the great location on the
Gulf of Mexico, DRC offers a casual work atmosphere with
a friendly and appreciative staff. Volunteers also have
the opportunity to make many new friends from around the
world that share their interest in marine mammals and the
environment.
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